I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Published by Evolved Publishing on 6-22-2015
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy
Pages: 314
Format: eBook
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"But what are we without dreams?"
A thousand years ago the Darkness came-a terrible time of violence, fear, and social collapse when technology ran rampant. But the vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with "temple magic," and by eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything. ~ Childhood friends, Orah and Nathaniel, have always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for more from life but unwilling to challenge the rigid status quo. When their friend Thomas returns from the Temple after his "teaching"-the secret coming-of-age ritual that binds young men and women eternally to the Light-they barely recognize the broken and brooding young man the boy has become. Then when Orah is summoned as well, Nathaniel follows in a foolhardy attempt to save her. ~ In the prisons of Temple City, they discover a terrible secret that launches the three on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in jeopardy, for a truth from the past awaits that threatens the foundation of the Temple. If they reveal that truth, they might once again release the potential of their people. ~ Yet they would also incur the Temple's wrath as it is written: "If there comes among you a prophet saying, 'Let us return to the darkness,' you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the Light."
The Children of Darkness is a revised version of There Comes a Prophet, a book I highly rated.
In this dystopia, a future dark age has descended upon mankind. A religious group has taken control and maintains peace by intimidation and power. Most technology has been forgotten, except what the church has maintained to keep their power (medicine, wireless communication, etc.). Three young people (Nathaniel, Orah, and Thomas) are dreamers who are at odds with the church and look for a way to make their world a better place.
I really loved this novel. It is extremely imaginative and has an intriguing world and characters. The three and their friendship really propels the story forward. Orah and Nathaniel are extremely strong, but Thomas has a few surprises as well. The Keep and forgotten technology is a wonderful mystery the book marches towards solving. The vicars and church are intimidating but yet not overly done to be a caricature.
Really the only negative I can think of if a few scenes just bog down with character thoughts and dialogue. But that is really minor and rare. Overall, it was a fun ride and I’m really looking forward to the next book where they explore the other side of the ocean.